FBI seeks to keep Tinubu drug trafficking probe records secret from US court

The FBI filed this request on August 20 with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, stating it cannot publicly disclose the full reasons for withholding certain information. This application was shared on X by Von Batten-Montague-York, a lobbying firm hired by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. The FBI cited various exemptions under the US Freedom of Information Act in response to requests for Tinubu's records from 1992 to 1993.

The agency stated that releasing the information could "disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations and/or could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual." The FBI indicated that if the court approves, it will submit the confidential declaration before August 28. The plaintiff in this case is Aaron Greenspan, an American businessman.

This development follows a court order for the release of records concerning Tinubu, which Judge Beryl Howell had previously ruled the FBI and DEA failed to justify keeping secret.